A PHOTO GALLERY OF STREET LIFE IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
Last Updated on 26th March 2024 by Bejal
Following on from my city guide to colonial Antigua and its colourful neighbourhoods and architecture, I thought it was time to collate a little photo gallery of my favourites!
Before arriving in Antigua, I had seem photos of the classic Arco de Santa Catalina on many Instagram accounts and maybe even the myriad of colours of the shabby walled buildings, however Antigua has way more to offer than you see on the gram.
Antigua is a colonial city steeped in so much history and I wanted to try and capture that in my posts, from the markets, to the locals going about their daily business, some of the architecture, which you can see more of in my previous post and alas some photos that would fit in well with Instagram content.
I have to admit, I don’t have the patience to stand at a spot for a long while and stage a photo for Instagram so for me, if I see something that catches my eye, like a coloured wall, building, colonial architecture or food item, then I frame the photo in my head within seconds and it quickly becomes an opportunity to shoot! Usually these ad-hoc photos are taken by Dr C and yes they do take more than a couple of attempts but generally I don’t pre-empt scoping out an Instagram friendly spot.
Back to Antigua and I have to say its one of the most photogenic places I have visited to date. My favourite style of photography is street-life and I’ve tried to capture as much of it as I can but Guatemala in general comes with a slight restriction when it comes to photographing the locals. By this I mean in particular the vendors you see in the streets, they do not pose freely for photographs I always ask for permission and was surprised that most refused. If they see or think that they may be in a shot, they will most definitely cover their faces. One of our guides told us this stems from a cultural Mayan religious belief around the face being a sacred part of the body. I was cautious that I respected the culture and customs at all times, as I do with everywhere I travel. This would be noteworthy if you plan on visiting in the future.
Have a peruse at some f my favourite images that you may see making an appearance on Instagram in the upcoming weeks!
The Colonial Architecture
Market Scenes
Street Scenes
Cafe Culture
Colonial Rainbow Walls
I have to admit these were some of the most fun photos to take as locals and even police officers started snapping me whilst Dr C was framing shots!! If you like a stride-by like Dr C then there are an array of coloured walls to chose from!
Local Life
Hope you enjoyed perusing my photo gallery from Antigua? Tell me what’s your photo
style when travelling?
Á Bientôt…
PIN FOR LATER
the Curious Pixie
Some incredible imagery here Bejal. I love all the colourful trinkets you can buy. I’d come back with a suitcase full.
Bejal
the Curious PixieThankyou Sima. I can get a little carried away with trinkets myself too! The colours of the textiles and crafts are just so gorgeous!
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
What a wonderful guide, Bejal! Your photos are beautiful. I love colonial architecture and colorful houses
Bejal
Cristina – Memories of the PacificThankyou Cristina! These are just my favourite photos but adore colonial buildings too. You will have to go as you speak Spanish and you’d love it!
Mostlyfoodandtravel
All these colours and vibrant scenes are beautiful. What a beautiful town. That market looked perfect and somewhere I would spend half a day looking, bargaining and buying.
Bejal
MostlyfoodandtravelGuatemala is literally one of the most colourful places I’ve visited! The market is great to mooch around but not really the kind of time you could spend more than an hour or two in!
1dish4theroad
Such fantastic photos, Bejal. I love markets so much, I’ve now got a real case of market envy!..
Bejal
1dish4theroadThankyou Aaron, such an easy place to photograph! Well there’s only one thing for your envy-you have to go!!!
thetravelsofmrsb
Your photos are beautiful!
Bejal
thetravelsofmrsbThankyou Laura! Such a great place for photography.
Tori
Bejal! I love these. My favorite is the “Floristeria.” The school buses are cool too. What was that?
Is it like France and Europe where a lot of people can speak English, or are you speaking… Spanish? I don’t even know.
Bejal
ToriIt’s so beautiful!Yes they can speak English but not everyone, so it helps to know a bit of Spanish!